Great time spent with family and nice to get away but was too short and needed warmer weather.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
After pre-registering on line, we were on in no time and able to walk around to check out the ship. We were told our luggage would be at the cabin by 1:00pm and headed toward the cabins and sure enough the luggage was there.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining rooms were very good and found the staff very accomodating but wish there was more of a variety of food choices among each of the dining rooms. We pre-registered online for Jamie Olivers .and Chops. Upon arrival for our reservation at Jamie Olivers, seating was challenging (only seats offered were outside - noisy or inside right by entrance). They did accommodate us with a table in the back by the kitchen; however, after waiting at least 15 minutes and having to mention to the maitre'd that no one had come over to check on us, we finally had a waiter come to our table. Food was good; however salmon was not cooked well enough but server came to resolve the issue but took awhile to cook while the rest of the family had finished their meals.
Chops food and service was excellent and would highly recommend to others traveling.
Windjammer breakfast was ok ; however, lunches and dinners left a lot to be desired. Same food choices every day. Solarium Bistro was very good for breakfast and found ourselves there for the majority of our trip.
Major complaint is that there is limited options of food available after 9:00pm especially if you go to an earlier dinner and get hungry again around 9:00pm and don't want to eat pizza or small little sandwiches or pay for the pub and/or a limited room service menu for a charge.
Pool Bar
5 out of 5
Bar in the Solarium was excellent - bartenders were very attentive and friendly and knew what they were doing.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There were quite a few treadmills and other machines that were out of order at the fitness center creating longer wait times. Also, yoga/exercise mats not cleaned by staff. Lines way too long for bumper cars and no available times for north star and ifly.
Casino Royale
2 out of 5
Should be able to get all kinds of beverages in the casino, such as coffee, water, etc. Very poor ventilation even in the non-smoking section. Non-smoking rule was definitely not enforced and limited machines types (25 cents, etc.) not available. No $5 tables (poker, craps, blackjack, etc) not available and many empty tables not being used. Would have made more sense to offer more $5 tables that would be filled than dealers sitting around with no one at their table.
Regalia Fine Jewelry
4 out of 5
Staff was excellent in the "duty free" shops; however upon debarkation, my family was stopped and detained for over a half hour as we claimed all our jewelry purchases that was supposedly duty-free and because there was nothing noted on the receipt was told we will be charged duty.
Entertainment
Unfortunately due to timing of dinner, etc., we were not able to partake in any of the entertainment offered. We also didn't' know about some of the other types of activities on the ship that took place in the starbucks area (such as the gingerbread house and decorative activities).
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Service was very good. The waiter we had on Christmas Day at the Grand Restaurant (not our normal dining area) was excellent. His name began with a K and from croatia. He was very professional and accommodating and therefore stood out more than the other waiters we had with the exception of chops.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Ship tip
If you should decide to use the professional photography services, make sure to enquire about the fees prior.
There should be more packages available for the regular pictures taken throughout the trip. Should be able to purchase USB of pictures only and not just with a package at a reasonable price. The machines to build photography books should be more user friendly.
Unfortunately was not able to do any excursions because didn't book ahead and as it was Christmas, mostly everything was closed and very cool temperatures.
No excursion. Need more beach attendants to find open spots and carry chairs so guests don't have to drag their own. Also should have additional alcoholic drinks other than the one frozen offered. Shouldn't charge additional to have your drink in a pineapple if you have an ultimate drink package, which was an additional charge already.
Went to Atlantis - also had trouble finding chairs. Would have liked to have had more time to enjoy the pool and then shop. Disappointed that there were many empty stores on Bay Street and in need of a face lift.
Found a porter right away to get our bags; however one of our bags was in a different location, which we had to find. Was also not happy that we were detained at customs because our receipt didn't show that the shop was duty-free on board, which was what we were told by the customs agent. We now need to pay or supply a letter that the items we purchased on board is indeed duty-free from starboard cruises.
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